In Class Activity 2-2: Sumerian Achievements as Reflections of Civilization


Objectives

  • describe 16 Sumerian Achievements
  • identify characteristics of civilization in the Standard of Ur
  • explain how Sumer exhibited the characteristics of civilization
  • explain how one's contemporary society exhibits the characteristics of civilization

Introduction

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Day 1: Notes About Sumerian Achievements

You and your partner will complete your by matching each placard you are given to the following Student Information on Sumeria. You will then be assigned one of these achievements to present to the class.


Student Information on Sumeria



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omic Life Organized Army, By Terry Lee 6A

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Play this track to hear a modern rendition of Sumerian music


Guide to Placard Images


Day 2: Characteristics of a Civilization-The Standard of Ur


The Six Characteristics of a Civilizations:

1. A system of government that directs and controls some actions of the members of society.

2. A regular food supply that is not likely to suddenly change.

3. Specialization of labor, in which members of the society perform different jobs.

4. Different social levels, in which some members of the society are given higher status than others.

5. A highly developed culture including art, architecture, music, literature, science, and writing.

6. A religious system, which might include priests and temples.


The Standard of Ur

The Standard of Ur consists of four panels inlaid with shell and lapiz lazuli. The two larger panels shown below depict scenes of war and peace. Archeologist Sir Edward Leonard Wooley excavated the standard from royal graves located in the Sumerian city-state of Ur. The standard is one of the richest clues we have to understand Sumerian civilization in the third millennium BCE. Examine The Standard of Ur and answer the following questions.

1. Where do you see evidence of a system of government?

2. How can you tell these people had a stable food supply (agriculture)?

3. Is this a hierarchical or egalitarian society, in your opinion? Why?

4. How can you tell that labor/jobs were specialized in this society?

5. Where do you see evidence of a highly developed culture?

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Label each topic in the handout, Notes About Sumerian Achievements, with the Characteristic of a Civilization it best represents. For example, a picture of a blacksmith forming armor or a nail would fall under "Specialization of labor..." Do this for all 16 Achievements on your handout.


Homework: Assignment 2-4